Ghost ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm (adult workers)

Ghost ant

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions; found in homes, greenhouses, and gardens, often nesting in walls and soil.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; primarily feeds on honeydew and sweet substances but also consumes insects.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their rapid, erratic movement and characteristic pale, translucent abdomen and legs; highly mobile and can easily establish new colonies.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a nuisance pest in households; can contaminate food but does not pose major health risks or provide significant ecosystem benefits.

Identified on: 5/13/2026